3 takeaways for Purdue women's basketball after exhibition win against Quincy University

Purdue freshman Rashunda Jones entered the game after a lukewarm first five minutes to her team's exhibition matchup against Quincy University at Mackey Arena.

Jones provided defensive full court pressure and showed her soft touch around the basket that turned a slow first five minutes into commanding run for the Boilermakers.

Jones scored 15 points while adding three rebounds, three assists in her first full college game and returning junior Jayla Smith scored a team high 20 points on 8 of 11 shooting to lead Purdue to a 106-45 victory.

Freshman Mary Ashley Stevenson scored 15 points and grabbed 12 rebounds and McKenna Layden scored 12 points while shooting 4-of-5 from 3-point range.

Purdue's game against Quincy University served as its first regulated game before playing its season opener against No. 4-ranked UCLA next Monday at Pauley Pavilion.

Here are three takeaways from Purdue's exhibition game against Quincy.

1. Jones codename 'Spider' makes her presence known

Jones lived up to Spider, a nickname bestowed by her South Bend Washington High School coach Steven Reynolds.

Jones' long arms allow her to blanket opposing guards with her defense and has the speed to push the floor and find open shooters. Purdue went from being tied at 11 at the 4:39 mark to scoring 14 unanswered points in just over three minutes before the first quarter ended.

"Me coming off and changing the general energy of the game and atmosphere and how we started and the way we took off on that run was really great," Jones said. "Yes I was very nervous but the returners and everybody was like you're going to be fine."

2. Smith trying to stay confident after leading Purdue in points

Purdue coach Katie Gearlds believes Smith is in the process of unlocking her potential after watching her junior guard lead the game in scoring.

Smith impressed Gearlds with her confidence with her skills as a midrange shooter and her scoring around the basket.

The challenge for her is to be consistent," Gearlds said. "We know what Jayla has. We hold Jayla to this crazy high standard and I don't know if Jayla knows how high we hold her. She's locked in."

Smith started in three games last season and averaged 7.8 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists.

"It starts with confidence," Smith said. "I think you should always go out there and shoot all your shots with confidence. For me personally, finishing is a big aspect for me. For me confidence and knowing your shot is going in is a big step."

3. Gearlds believes all 13 players will play role for Purdue this season

Each member of Purdue chipped in points and rebounds against Quincy.

The Boilermakers collectively shot 58.4 percent from the field including 50% from 3-point range. Gearlds affirmed her confidence in a roster that carries different playmakers who can score both inside and out.

Sophomore Maryland transfer and 2022 South Bend Washington graduate Mila Reynolds came off the bench and added five points plus two rebounds.

"We got some good looks, some paint touches and some kick outs with Caitlyn (Harper) and Mary Ashley (Stevenson)," Gearlds said. "Mila (Reynolds) and Alaina (Harper) had such a physical presence about them. Obviously timing wise and execution wise we got some things to clean up on the offensive end. But when we did get some clean looks, our juniors got the job done.''

Purdue's bench collectively shot 57.1 % from the field.

"We've got five hungry returners and they got a taste of the NCAA tournament last year," Gearlds said. "They got a taste of some big wins and some not so great losses in league play. Than you have eight newbies who are out to prove they belong here. We've got 13 individuals who absolutely adore Purdue and want Purdue to win. When you have a group like that, they are going to fight like hell for each other."

Ethan Hanson started working for the Journal & Courier in West Lafayette, Indiana after four years at the Record Searchlight in Redding, CA. He previously freelanced with the Los Angeles Daily News for four years. Follow him on Twitter at @EthanAHansonand ethan_a_hanson on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue women's basketball: 3 takeaways after exhibition win against Quincy